table his beverage was ale; for wine--unless it were very sweet
port--he cared little; but in the privacy of his own room, whilst
smoking numberless pipes of rank tobacco, he indulged freely in
spirits. The habit was unknown to his children, but for some years
he had seldom gone to bed in a condition that merited the name of
sobriety.

When the repast was nearly over, Mr. Lord glanced at his son and said
unconcernedly:

'You have heard that Nancy wants to mix with the rag-tag and bobtail
to-morrow night?'

'I shall take care of her,' Horace replied, starting from his
reverie.

'Doesn't it seem to you rather a come-down for an educated young
lady?'

'Oh, there'll be lots of them about.'

'Will there? Then I can't see much difference between them and the
servant girls.'

Nancy put in a word.

'That shows you don't in the least understand me, father.'

'We won't argue about it. But bear in mind, Horace, that you bring
your sister back not later than half-past eleven. You are to be here